Zookeepers at Guangzhou Zoo in China have denied giving a male lion an unusual “straight bangs” haircut after photos of the eccentric hairdo went viral on China’s Weibo platform.
Often hailed as the King of the Jungle, a lion’s regal appearance is largely due to its magnificent mane. However, just like humans, even these majestic creatures can sometimes end up with an unexpected hairstyle—perhaps even one of their own making.
Meet Hang Hang, a male white lion who appears to have experienced just that. His puzzling new look, which resembles a bowl-cut with an oddly straight fringe, has sparked widespread speculation online.
Zoo staff, however, insist they had nothing to do with his peculiar hairstyle. In response to accusations that they had intentionally given Hang Hang the anomalous cut, they firmly denied any involvement. Instead, they offered a different explanation: the hot and humid climate of Guangzhou may have caused the lion’s mane to hang in this manner. Additionally, they suggested that Hang Hang’s own grooming habits could have contributed to the look—perhaps the most amusing and relatable possibility of all.
A Rare and Majestic Creature
Hang Hang belongs to the rare species of white lions, known for their striking fur color that ranges from pale blonde to pure white. This distinctive trait is caused by leucism, a recessive genetic condition that is less severe than albinism.
White lions were declared extinct in the wild between 1992 and 2004, but thanks to the efforts of the Global White Lion Protection Trust, they have been successfully reintroduced to their natural habitat. Today, three thriving prides roam free once again.
So, if the zookeepers are indeed innocent, we may just see more white lions sporting similar hairdos in the future—whether intentional or not!
